Pastoral transition
Pastoral Transition
We are currently in a time of transition as we prayerfully seek and call a settled pastor to lead our congregation into the future. During this season, we are blessed to be supported by a variety of gifted pulpit supply preachers from our wider community, along with meaningful lay-led services.
We trust that God is guiding us through this process and remain hopeful and expectant for what lies ahead. Candidates interested in the Settled Pastor position are encouraged to visit the Tri-State UCC Conference website for more information and application details by clicking HERE.
We are currently in a time of transition as we prayerfully seek and call a settled pastor to lead our congregation into the future. During this season, we are blessed to be supported by a variety of gifted pulpit supply preachers from our wider community, along with meaningful lay-led services.
We trust that God is guiding us through this process and remain hopeful and expectant for what lies ahead. Candidates interested in the Settled Pastor position are encouraged to visit the Tri-State UCC Conference website for more information and application details by clicking HERE.
Summer guest preacher
The Rev. Richard J. Mihm, M. Div was ordained on May 26, 1990 after completing seminary at St. John’s School of Theology. During 36 years of pastoral practice, he has been assigned to parishes, Christian High School teaching, Campus Ministry and teaching at a college in the Religious Studies department. He has offered pastoral presence at several churches in the Dubuque area when the pastor was unavailable. Most recently, he was the pastor and Executive Director of the Dubuque Rescue Mission for 20 years. During that time, he held Church services every Sunday evening with the eucharist provided once a month. He and his wife, Mary have three grown children who live in other states. They live at New Hope farm (just outside of Dubuque) where they welcome the stranger and immigrant with a farm coop that grows produce for 20 Guatemalan families. They also host men for retreats who are struggling with addictions and mental health.
He is looking forward to our journey together this summer as he has agreed to help lead worship, provide pastoral support, and walk alongside our congregation in the months ahead. Rev. Rick shares our excitement for the upcoming sermon series themes and values maintaining strong congregational involvement, including continuing regular lay-led worship services.In addition to preaching, Rev. Rick will serve as a consistent clergy presence for communion, baptisms, funerals, and times of crisis. We are grateful for his willingness to serve and for the sense of stability and support this partnership will provide during our pastoral transition.
He is looking forward to our journey together this summer as he has agreed to help lead worship, provide pastoral support, and walk alongside our congregation in the months ahead. Rev. Rick shares our excitement for the upcoming sermon series themes and values maintaining strong congregational involvement, including continuing regular lay-led worship services.In addition to preaching, Rev. Rick will serve as a consistent clergy presence for communion, baptisms, funerals, and times of crisis. We are grateful for his willingness to serve and for the sense of stability and support this partnership will provide during our pastoral transition.
Nikki Ketchum
Church Business Manager
Nikki joined the staff at First Congregational in 2017 with over 25 years of administrative experience. She is responsible for Facilities, Finance, Church Communications, Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, and Human Resources for the church. Nikki also assists Church Leadership, teams, volunteers, and staff with organizing events, outreach efforts, and social media, bringing strong leadership and a deep passion for mission work to everything she does.
During the pandemic, Nikki modernized the church’s technology to ensure members could continue participating in worship from home each week. She also holds the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential, reflecting her commitment to excellence in nonprofit leadership and service.
Originally from Northern Wisconsin, Dubuque has always been part of Nikki’s life, as both of her parents were raised here. Nikki is married to her husband Clay and has two daughters.
Church Business Manager
Nikki joined the staff at First Congregational in 2017 with over 25 years of administrative experience. She is responsible for Facilities, Finance, Church Communications, Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, and Human Resources for the church. Nikki also assists Church Leadership, teams, volunteers, and staff with organizing events, outreach efforts, and social media, bringing strong leadership and a deep passion for mission work to everything she does.
During the pandemic, Nikki modernized the church’s technology to ensure members could continue participating in worship from home each week. She also holds the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential, reflecting her commitment to excellence in nonprofit leadership and service.
Originally from Northern Wisconsin, Dubuque has always been part of Nikki’s life, as both of her parents were raised here. Nikki is married to her husband Clay and has two daughters.
Bella Douglas
Director of Music Ministries
Bella joined First Congregational Church in the Spring of 2025. Bella holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Loras College and has experience in working with choirs of all ages! Bella not only plans our music but also conducts both Chancel Choir and Bell Choirs.
Director of Music Ministries
Bella joined First Congregational Church in the Spring of 2025. Bella holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Loras College and has experience in working with choirs of all ages! Bella not only plans our music but also conducts both Chancel Choir and Bell Choirs.
Duane Vetter
Technical Director of Audio/Visual Production
Duane as our Technical Director of Audio/Visual Production! He is currently attending Loras College majoring in Creative Media and minoring in History. He has had the opportunity to intern at Radio Stations in Iowa as well as on the production team for Loras College. Duane is originally from Audubon, IA
Technical Director of Audio/Visual Production
Duane as our Technical Director of Audio/Visual Production! He is currently attending Loras College majoring in Creative Media and minoring in History. He has had the opportunity to intern at Radio Stations in Iowa as well as on the production team for Loras College. Duane is originally from Audubon, IA
Mary Martin
Missions Coordinator
Please join us in welcoming Mary Martin to our team as our new Missions Coordinator! In this role, Mary oversees the day-to-day operations of our Community Family Pantry, helping ensure that families in our community have access to food, clothing, hygiene items, and other essential resources. Mary brings a wealth of experience and compassion to this position. Prior to joining our staff, she directed the school district’s pantry for four years before it closed due to funding challenges. She also brings more than 40 years of service to the Dubuque community through her work with the Dubuque Community Schools, NICC Community College and other social services organizations. Mary holds three master’s degrees in Art, Special Education, and Counseling, reflecting both her creativity and deep commitment to serving others. She is passionate about helping and educating neighbors in need while building strong partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and nonprofits to strengthen community support systems. We are grateful to have Mary’s leadership, experience, and heart for mission as part of our ministry team.
Missions Coordinator
Please join us in welcoming Mary Martin to our team as our new Missions Coordinator! In this role, Mary oversees the day-to-day operations of our Community Family Pantry, helping ensure that families in our community have access to food, clothing, hygiene items, and other essential resources. Mary brings a wealth of experience and compassion to this position. Prior to joining our staff, she directed the school district’s pantry for four years before it closed due to funding challenges. She also brings more than 40 years of service to the Dubuque community through her work with the Dubuque Community Schools, NICC Community College and other social services organizations. Mary holds three master’s degrees in Art, Special Education, and Counseling, reflecting both her creativity and deep commitment to serving others. She is passionate about helping and educating neighbors in need while building strong partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and nonprofits to strengthen community support systems. We are grateful to have Mary’s leadership, experience, and heart for mission as part of our ministry team.
